Evaluation of protective effect of Centella asiatica leaves on pancreas function in diabetic rats

Abstract

Centella asiatica is a well-known plant with a wide range of medicinal properties. The aim of the study is to investigate the protective effect of Centella asiatica leaves on pancreas function in experimental diabeticrats. Diabetes was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w) intraperitoneally. The experimental rats were treated with the methanol extract of Centella asiatica leaves (CALEt) at a dose of 300mg/kg b. w. After the treatment period all the animals were sacrificed, and the blood sample was analyzed for insulin, glucagon, glycosylated haemoglobin and other blood parameters. Oral administration of CALEt for a period of 3o days restored the altered parameters. Histology of diabetic rats treated with CALEt showed pancreatic β-cell regeneration. Thus, our results revealed that the administration of CALEt may have protective effect on the pancreas of STZ induced diabetic rats.